All the media coverage of the arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates and the subsequent remarks of President Obama brought up old memories  for me.  Many years ago when my children were little I was stopped by the Collinsville Police on Pine Lake Road.  Let me quickly add that I am neither black nor a prominent Harvard professor of world renown. When the police officer approached my car I produced my driver’s licenses and insurance card, even though I was sitting in my own car.  The officer examined my documents and checked some information in his car.  He was polite, business like,  but not overly friendly .  After a few minutes he returned the items to me cautioned me about driving slower and sent me on my way without a ticket.  My son David, always the observer asked me why the police officer had not given me a ticket when they always gave his mom a ticket. Well, I said what does your mother say to the officer when she is stopped?  “Your wrong”, said David, mom always tells the cops their wrong and that she wasn’t speeding.  I gave my children on that day so long ago the same advice I would offer professor Gates and President Obama. When stopped or questioned by a police officer be polite and answer all the questions asked of you.  When you are stopped by the police they have  reason to believe you may have done something wrong.  Listen to the officer and respond appropriately.  It might save you a ticket or it might save your life.